Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has issued an update on Chiedozie Ogbene’s future ahead of the Tractor Boys’ Championship match against Sheffield United.

The former Luton Town player has made ten Championship appearances for the Blades this season while on loan from Ipswich, contributing one assist despite missing time due to injury.

McKenna will get the opportunity to meet up with Ogbene in Saturday’s second-tier showdown between his loan club and his original club, since the Republic of Ireland player will be unable to play against his parent side.

Sheffield United is closer to the relegation zone than the play-offs this season, whilst the Tractor Boys have established themselves as strong automatic promotion contenders.

Kieran McKenna discusses whether Ipswich Town have talked with Sheffield United regarding Chiedozie Ogbene.

Ogbene suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Ireland during the November international break, but he returned to the Blades’ matchday squad for Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat against Southampton.

However, the ex-Rotherham United forward will be unable to play for Chris Wilder’s side against his former club this Saturday.

McKenna denied that Ipswich had discussed terminating Ogbene’s loan during the January transfer window.He was unlucky to suffer an injury while on international duty since he went out and played the games we wanted him to play. “That was important to him.”He was settling into the season, gaining form, and performing well for Ireland. It was terrible to sustain a hamstring injury. But he’s back now, and we expect to catch up with him on Saturday.”

By defeating the Tractor Boys, the Blades can make a significant statement and restore their play-off ambitions, whereas McKenna’s team is looking to strengthen their automatic promotion credentials.

Chiedozie Ogbene would be better served by sticking at Sheffield United.

Ipswich must continue to strengthen their squad in order to beat either Coventry City or Middlesbrough to an automatic promotion slot, and they have already done so significantly this week.

However, recalling Ogbene from the Blades may not be the greatest option for the Ireland international, who prefers to play at Bramall Lane rather than Portman Road.

McKenna may call on other right-wingers Wes Burns, Sindre Walle Egeli, and Kasey McAteer, while the Tractor Boys’ wide options have been supplemented by the acquisition of Bristol City’s Anis Mehmeti, who can play on the wing as well as in offensive midfield.

In contrast, if Ogbene can find his form, he is capable of beating off Tahith Chong or Andre Brooks for a spot in Wilder’s starting lineup.

Sheffield United must focus on moving farther away from the Championship relegation zone for the time being, but Ogbene’s prior performances for former clubs Luton and Rotherham suggest that he can help propel the Blades into the play-offs at the conclusion of the season.

Aside from their match with the Tractor Boys, the Bramall Lane club is prepping for forthcoming games against play-off contenders Millwall, relegation battlers Oxford United, and promotion hopes Middlesbrough.